RIYADH/JEDDAH/DAMMAM: Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad on Wednesday assured the community that he would make efforts to take his country’s multifaceted relations to a new level.
Speaking at India’s 61st Republic Day celebrations in Riyadh on Tuesday, he promised to render the best possible services to the Indian diaspora in the Kingdom and address their grievances.
Ahmad hoisted the Indian national flag in the morning at the Indian Embassy premises in the Diplomatic Quarter amid resounding applause. Ceremonies were also held in the Eastern Province and in Jeddah where Consul General Sayeed Ahmed Baba unfurled the national flag.
The ceremonies were attended by several hundred members of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, representing different regions of India, and embassy officials along with their families.
The flag-hoisting ceremonies in all three cities were followed by the singing of the Indian national anthem and patriotic songs. International Indian schools in the three major cities and elsewhere marked the occasion with flag-hoisting and cultural programs.
The ambassador and the consul general greeted their fellow nationals on the occasion and read out the Republic Day message from Indian President Pratibha Patil. The ambassador inaugurated a painting on the theme of Indo-Arab Friendship. He also launched a special e-supplement by YaHind.com on the occasion.
At the International Indian School, Dammam (IISD), IISD Managing Committee Chairman Asghar Khan, who unfurled the tricolor, called for a spirited fight against terrorism and highlighted the great educational advancement that India has achieved in recent years.
IISD Principal Dr. E.K. Mohammed Shaffe read out President Pratibha Patil’s message. Alphons Kannanthanam, member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and former commissioner of the Delhi Development Authority, was the guest of honor.
The flag hoisting was followed by a colorful presentation by more than 650 schoolchildren organized by Lt. Col. (Retired) J.A. Rocque and his team of teachers.
At the International Indian School, Jubail, the national flag was unfurled by the school’s principal, Syed Hameed.
He exhorted all students and staff to rededicate themselves to the cause of the nation and discharge their duties sincerely without fear or favor. School Managing Committee Chairman Jamshed Akhter called on staff and students to rise above their self-interests to serve the community with dedication and devotion.
The consul general hoisted the flag at the International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ).
A march past, a drill display, patriotic songs accompanied by a cultural parade representing the cultural unity and diversity of India, and breath-taking gymnastic stunts were among the highlights.
Suraiya Baba, wife of the consul general, released pigeons to convey the message of peace and freedom.
Also present were Indian Consul Shakeel Ahmed, other consuls, School Managing Committee Chairman Salah Karadan, Principal Syed Masood Ahmed and Vice Principal (Girls Section) Farhadunnissa.
